▲ Entrance
As urban spaces grow increasingly crowded, many fragmented areas remain unused due to their limited functionality, leading to wasted spatial potential. One such space is the underground garage, originally designed to ease surface congestion but later abandoned after functional changes. Without altering the spatial form, the challenge lies in repurposing this site with new functions that harmoniously integrate with the surrounding environment. This transformation is key to revitalizing leftover urban spaces.
Located on Zhongshan Gate Street in Nanjing, this idle underground garage was reimagined by SODA Architects as a welcoming destination for middle-aged and elderly visitors to relax. By leveraging multimedia materials, the design transforms the space into an immersive underground living and leisure center.
▲ Entrance at night
The renovated interior features a 270-degree curved LED screen that wraps around the space, breaking the oppressive darkness typical of underground environments and enhancing interior brightness. The underground area has been reorganized into a multifunctional venue suitable for leisure, exhibitions, social interactions, and business meetings.
▲ LED screen
The project aims to improve the connection between underground spaces and people by creating a virtual reality experience through media materials. This approach not only enhances visual engagement but also improves the quality of challenging environments and addresses the issue of underutilized urban legacy spaces. This concept forms the core of SODA Architects’ renovation strategy.
The wave-like curved screen is strategically placed at the intersection of sightlines within the L-shaped space. Precisely modeled, it gently wraps from wall to ceiling, guiding visitors as they enter via the ramp and pass through a narrow passage. The 270-degree curved gradient screen unfolds before them, naturally drawing their attention through dynamic visual content. What was once a visually obstructed underground area is now transformed into a central display and communication hub, offering visitors a refreshing and uplifting experience reminiscent of a secret garden in bloom.
▲ The wave-like curved screen positioned at the intersection of sightlines
▲ LED screens gently wrap from wall to ceiling
One challenge in the renovation was the steep downhill slope. To integrate it naturally with the surrounding environment, the designers introduced gentle steps to elevate the slope. Slow-moving water flows on both sides of the slope alongside planted islands, leading to a sunken garden. Visitors can relax in the square and leisurely follow the stairs down to the garden for a peaceful retreat.
▲ Entrance at night
Thanks to advanced technological materials, the entire L-shaped underground area has been transformed from its original condition into a functional and innovative space. Through extensive research and exploration with BIM, integrating technology and materials into spatial design has become a key focus. This renovation is an example of using technology to enhance environmental quality while repurposing valuable spaces, offering a solution for abandoned urban sites.
▲ Entrance before and after renovation
▲ Corner transformation before and after
▲ Indoor leisure area
▲ Bathroom
▲ Indoor space
▲ Floor plan
▲ Floor plan
▲ Elevation view
Project Information:
Project: Cyber · Youyou International Anti-Aging Active Life
Design: SODA Architects
Lead Designers: Jiang Yuan, Song Chen
Design Team: Chen Fei, Zhang Zhen, Liu Panpan, Qiang Zhiwen, Wang Shan, Hao Zhiyuan, Wang Yuehua, Shi Mingchunjian
Location: Zhongshan Gate Street, Xuanwu District, Nanjing City
Building Area: 1730 m²
Design & Construction Year: 2019
Client: Jiangsu Sairui Hong’an Health Industry Development Co., Ltd
Construction Contractor: Nantong Zhongxia Construction Engineering General Contracting Co., Ltd
Main Materials: Granite, marble, wood veneer, LED curved screens
Photographer: Chen Xiyu
Website: www.soda.archi
Contact: __AI_S_SC0__
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up